EP1467953A1 - Water purification system - Google Patents

Water purification system

Info

Publication number
EP1467953A1
EP1467953A1 EP03700891A EP03700891A EP1467953A1 EP 1467953 A1 EP1467953 A1 EP 1467953A1 EP 03700891 A EP03700891 A EP 03700891A EP 03700891 A EP03700891 A EP 03700891A EP 1467953 A1 EP1467953 A1 EP 1467953A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
purification system
disinfectant
water purification
container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03700891A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
John Brian Bullocks Farm BRAUTHWAITE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SPARKLING SERVICES Ltd
Original Assignee
SPARKLING SERVICES Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SPARKLING SERVICES Ltd filed Critical SPARKLING SERVICES Ltd
Publication of EP1467953A1 publication Critical patent/EP1467953A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F9/00—Multistage treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F9/20—Portable or detachable small-scale multistage treatment devices, e.g. point of use or laboratory water purification systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00002—Purifying means
    • B67D2210/00005—Filters
    • B67D2210/0001—Filters for liquid
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/30—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by irradiation
    • C02F1/32—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by irradiation with ultraviolet light
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/72—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation
    • C02F1/722—Oxidation by peroxides
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
    • C02F2209/42—Liquid level
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
    • C02F2303/04—Disinfection

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a water purification system. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a water purification system for the filling of water bottles to be used in conjunction with water coolers .
  • coolers In many medium-to-large premises, it is common for water coolers to be present to provide potable water to persons using the premises. Typically, these coolers utilise a container of water as the reservoir. The coolers are typically rented from a supplier who also provides the service of supplying the filled water bottles, and removing the empty bottles.
  • the water from a mains source must be further treated.
  • the water is extracted directly from a natural spring and may or may not undergo further treatment .
  • the supplier must also sanitise the containers for the water. Typically this is carried out in a separate process such as by the steam cleaning of the bottles.
  • a water purification system comprising: a water source; a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container; conduit means connected to the source and the dispenser for the transport of water from the source to the dispenser; filtering means interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; and sanitising means for sanitising the container, comprising a reservoir of disinfectant and distributing means for distributing the disinfectant, wherein the distributing means distributes the disinfectant to the container with the water.
  • the distributing means is connected to the conduit means.
  • the disinfectant is mixed with the water prior to being dispensed to the container.
  • the disinfectant comprises Hydrogen Peroxide.
  • the disinfectant comprises around 3% w/w Hydrogen Peroxide.
  • the disinfectant comprises Aqua DosaTM sanitising fluid.
  • the sanitising means further comprises a pump for urging the disinfectant towards the conduit means.
  • the sanitising means further comprises measuring means for distributing a specified volume of disinfectant to the conduit means .
  • the measuring means controls operation of the pump and ceases to operate the pump when a specified volume of disinfectant has been distributed.
  • the conduit means and the distributing means comprises pipe-work.
  • the water source is the mains supply system.
  • the water source may comprise a tank and pressure means to urge the water from the source towards the dispenser.
  • the filtering means comprises a main filter and an Ultra-Violet filter.
  • the main filter is a chemical filter.
  • the filtering means further comprises a particulate filter. The particulate filter may positioned between the main filter and the UV filter. Alternatively, the particulate filter may be positioned between the main filter and the water source.
  • a non-return valve is interposed between the water source and the filtering means to prevent water flowing from the filtering means to the source.
  • an isolating valve is also interposed between the water source and the filtering means which, when actuated, prevents the flow of water in either direction between the filtering means and the source.
  • the dispenser comprises a tap valve.
  • the water purification system further comprises control means.
  • the control means comprises at least one sensor and the isolating valve may be actuated by a signal from the or each sensor.
  • a dispenser sensor is provided such that the isolating valve is actuated when the container is full.
  • a pump sensor is provided such that the isolating valve is actuated when pump failure is detected.
  • a reservoir sensor is provided and the pump is adapted to cease operation when a specified volume of disinfectant has been distributed.
  • the dispenser sensor is also connected to the pump and the pump is further adapted such that operation cannot resume until the container is full.
  • at least one UV filter sensor is provided such that the isolating valve is actuated when UV filter failure is detected.
  • the water purification system further comprises status indication means.
  • the signal from one or more sensors is connected to the status indication means.
  • the water purification system further comprises an electrical supply and the signal from the or each sensor is an electrical signal.
  • the isolating valve is actuated in the event that the electrical supply is interrupted.
  • the water purification system further comprises drainage means .
  • water is directed through the filtering means in a first direction.
  • control means is adapted to allow water from the source to be directed through the filtering means and towards the drainage means in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
  • control means is further adapted to prevent filiing of the container when water is directed in the second direction.
  • the water purification system further comprises a flow meter for gauging the volume of water used by the system.
  • a method of purifying water comprising the steps of: directing water from a water source to a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container via conduit means connected to the source and the dispenser; providing filtering means interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; and providing sanitising means for sanitising the container, comprising a reservoir of disinfectant and distributing means for distributing the disinfectant, wherein the distributing means distributes the disinfectant to the container with the water.
  • the distributing means is connected to the conduit means.
  • the disinfectant comprises Aqua DosaTM sanitising fluid.
  • the sanitising means further comprises measuring means for distributing a specified volume of disinfectant to the conduit means.
  • the filtering means comprises a main filter and an Ultra-Violet filter.
  • the main filter is a chemical filter.
  • the filtering means further comprises a particulate filter.
  • the water purification system further comprises control means.
  • a water purification system comprising: a water source; a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container; conduit means connected to the source and the dispenser for the transport of water from the source to the dispenser; filtering means interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; and sanitising means for sanitising the container, comprising a disinfectant, wherein the disinfectant is introduced to the water after the water has been filtered.
  • the disinfectant comprises Aqua DosaTM sanitising fluid.
  • the sanitising means further comprises measuring means.
  • the filtering means comprises a main filter and an Ultra-Violet filter.
  • the main filter is a chemical filter.
  • the filtering means further comprises a particulate filter.
  • the water purification system further comprises control means.
  • a method of purifying water comprising the steps of: directing water from a water source to a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container via conduit means connected to the source and the dispenser; providing filtering means interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; and providing sanitising means for sanitising the container, comprising a disinfectant, wherein the disinfectant is introduced to the water after the water has been filtered.
  • the disinfectant comprises Aqua DosaTM sanitising fluid.
  • the sanitising means further comprises measuring means.
  • the filtering means comprises a main filter and an Ultra-Violet filter.
  • the main filter is a chemical filter.
  • the filtering means further comprises a particulate filter.
  • the water purification system further comprises control means.
  • Fig. 1 is a front view of the water purification system
  • Fig. 2 is a front view of the system of Fig. 1 with some of the elements in outline; and Fig. 3 is a front view of a component of the system of Fig. 1.
  • the water travels via pipe-work 14, typically having an internal diameter of 13 mm.
  • any suitable conduit means can be used to convey the water.
  • the water first flows through a manual shut off valve 20.
  • the water then passes through a flow meter 30 that measures the quantity of water used before entering a particulate filter 40.
  • Both the manual shut off valve 20, the flow meter 30, and the particulate filter 40 are mounted on a main equipment board 16.
  • the particulate filter 40 is constructed of a wound nylon fabric and is adapted to remove particulates of a size of five microns or greater. Water exiting the particulate filter 40 then enters the main filter 44. Alternatively, the particulate filter 40 may be positioned after the main filter 44.
  • the main filter 44 is a chemical filter and has a 67 litre capacity. Due to the size of this filter 44, the main filter 44 is free standing. This filter 44 can remove a number of contaminates such as herbicides, pesticides, odours, and smaller particulates down to one micron is size. Water passing from the main filter 44 then enters a UV filter 46.
  • the UV filter 46 has a UV lamp which produces ultra- violet light. This is particularly effective in killing any infectious organisms including viruses.
  • the UV filter 46 is mounted on the equipment board 16 and is powered by a power unit 49 connected to the electrical supply (described below) . The filtered water then travels to the dispenser 50.
  • the filtering means comprises three filters, it is to be understood that the filtering means may comprise one, two, four or more separate filters.
  • the dispenser 50 comprises a stainless steel cap assembly 52 adapted to fit a conventional 19 litre water bottle 100 or other suitable container.
  • the dispensing cap 52 is connected to the pipe-work 14 by an armoured hose line 54.
  • the water bottle 100 is positioned on top of a bottle rack 60 of stainless steel construction.
  • the rack includes a drain 62 fox any over-spill.
  • the container sanitising means 70 Connected to the pipe-work 14 between the filters 40, 44, 46 and the dispenser 50 is the container sanitising means 70.
  • a reservoir of five litres of disinfectant is provided in a container 72 mounted on the equipment board 16.
  • Distributing means are provided to distribute the disinfectant to the pipe- work 14.
  • the disinfectant is Aqua DosaTM sanitising fluid.
  • Aqua DosaTM consists of calloid silver, which has a strong oxidising capacity, and hydrogen peroxide. Exposure to light should be avoided and so the container 72 is opaque.
  • a pump 74 is provided to direct the disinfectant from the container 72 to a mixing valve 76 connected to the pipe-work 14. The disinfectant travels from the container 72 via flexible tubing 78 which is fastened to the equipment board 16 using adhesive fasteners 18.
  • An electrically controlled isolating valve 86 is provided at the mixing valve 76.
  • the isolating valve 86 is adapted such that it is open only if it receives an electrical supply and is operated by the signal from a number of sensors (discussed below) .
  • the mixing valve 76 and the isolating valve 86 and mounted within an enclosure 83.
  • Electrical power for the isolating valve 86 and other components, such as sensors, is provided by a transformer 80 connected to the main supply. This provides 24 volts dc . Circuit breakers (not shown) are provided to interrupt the electrical supply in the event of electrical spikes or other forms of irregular supply. The circuit breakers are mounted within a splash-proof enclosure 84 (shown more clearly in Fig. 2) .
  • the system 10 also includes a number of sensors.
  • a sensor 56 is provided at the dispenser cap 52 for detecting when the bottle 100 is full. In such an event a signal is sent to the isolating valve 86 to close.
  • the pump 74 is adapted to carry out ten revolutions for each filling cycle. Each revolution draws 1 ml of disinfectant into the pipe-work 14 containing .the filtered water. After 10 ml has been distributed, the pump 74 ceases operation. A sensor (not shown) in the disinfectant reservoir monitors the level of disinfectant to ensure that the correct quantity is being distributed. A signal from the dispenser sensor 56 is also sent to the pump 74 to allow the pump 74 noirto resume operation. This arrangement prevents the possibility of a double dose of disinfectant being added to the same bottle of water.
  • a sensor 48 is also provided at the UV filter 46 so that, in the event that the lamp fails, or any other circumstance which leads to no ultra violet light being produced, a signal is sent to the isolating valve 86 to close.
  • the isolating valve 86 is arranged such that the valve 86 will fail safe, that is, it will close in the event of an interruption the electrical supply.
  • the signals from the sensors are connected to a display board 90 to inform the user of failure of any part of the system.
  • the display board 90 is shown more clearly in Fig. 3.
  • An operating switch 91 is provided on the display board 90 to allow the user to begin each filling cycle.
  • the display board 90 is mounted on the face of the enclosure 84 housing the circuit breakers.
  • the user utilises the operating switch on the display board 90 to allow the filling of the bottle 100 to commence. Water passes through the three filters 40, 44, 46 and the associated pipe-work 14 to the mixing valve 76.
  • the pump 74 is activated and the pump 74 performs ten revolutions. This draws 10 ml of disinfectant from the reservoir 72 to the mixing valve 76. The water and disinfectant are mixed and the resultant fluid travels to the dispenser 50 and is then dispensed to the bottle 100.
  • the dispenser sensor 56 will be activated. A signal will be sent for the isolating valve 86 to close and the pump 74 is also sent a signal to reset.
  • the disinfectant in the bottle 100 acts upon the interior surface of the bottle 100 to sanitise it. The turbulence created during the filling help to disperse the disinfectant in the water so that disinfectant contacts the whole surface of the bottle 100.
  • the display board 90 informs the user that the bottle 100 is completely filled. The user then removes the dispenser cap 52 and a self-sealing cap (not shown) is fitted to the bottle 100. Aqua DosaTM breaks down to form water and oxygen, leaving only traces of any other chemicals, and so the final product is potable.
  • the system 10 allows the automatic filling and sanitising of the bottle 100 without requiring any further input from the user. This ensures that a bottle 100 cannot remain in a non-sanitised condition due to operator error.
  • servicing of the system 10 is carried out, typically every six months.
  • the reservoir for disinfectant 72 can be re-filled by the user.
  • the reservoir sensor co-operates with the isolating valve 86 so that the system 10 will not operate in the event that the reservoir 72 is 10% full or less.
  • the UV bulb for the UV filter 48 and the media for the particulate filter 40 are changed.
  • the pipe-work 14 for the filtering system can be sanitised using chlorinated water or ozone being passed through the system.
  • the main filter 44 has a back flushing capability. Water is passed in the opposite direction to that during normal use.
  • Water exiting the main filter is this case is directed to the drainage system 62 via a drain pipe 64.
  • the media of the main filter 44 may be changed during every second servicing visit. Other checks during servicing may include the checking of all pipes and joints, replacement of the parastelic pump tube, and the noting of meter readings. The meter readings can be used to adjust the back flushing of the main filetr 44 to cope with the volume of water being used.
  • conduit 78 for the disinfectant may not be connected to the pipe-work 14 for the water but may instead be dispensed directly to the bottle 100.
  • the disinfectant may be dispensed as the bottle 100 is being filled with water, or at a time before or after the bottle 100 is filled.

Abstract

A water purification system (10) comprises: a water source; a dispenser (50) for dispensing water to fill a container (100); conduit means (14) connected to the source and the dispenser (50) for the transport of water from the source to the dispenser(50); filter means (40, 44, 46) interposed between the source and the dispenser (50) for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container (100); and sanitising means (70) for sanitising the container (100). The sanitising means (70) comprises a reservoir of disinfectant and distributing means (78) for distributing the disinfectant. The distributing means (78) distributes the disinfectant to the container (100) with the water.

Description

Water Purification System
The present invention relates to a water purification system. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a water purification system for the filling of water bottles to be used in conjunction with water coolers .
In many medium-to-large premises, it is common for water coolers to be present to provide potable water to persons using the premises. Typically, these coolers utilise a container of water as the reservoir. The coolers are typically rented from a supplier who also provides the service of supplying the filled water bottles, and removing the empty bottles.
To provide the water for the coolers, the water from a mains source must be further treated. Alternatively, providing the water meets the relevant standards of purity, the water is extracted directly from a natural spring and may or may not undergo further treatment .
To ensure that no foreign substances or harmful bacteria are introduced into the water, the supplier must also sanitise the containers for the water. Typically this is carried out in a separate process such as by the steam cleaning of the bottles.
There are considerable costs involved with the supply of the filled water bottles from the supplier. The filled and empty bottles must be transported between the customer and the supplier.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a water purification system comprising: a water source; a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container; conduit means connected to the source and the dispenser for the transport of water from the source to the dispenser; filtering means interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; and sanitising means for sanitising the container, comprising a reservoir of disinfectant and distributing means for distributing the disinfectant, wherein the distributing means distributes the disinfectant to the container with the water. Preferably the distributing means is connected to the conduit means. Preferably the disinfectant is mixed with the water prior to being dispensed to the container. Preferably the disinfectant comprises Hydrogen Peroxide. Preferably the disinfectant comprises around 3% w/w Hydrogen Peroxide. Preferably the disinfectant comprises Aqua Dosa™ sanitising fluid. Preferably the sanitising means further comprises a pump for urging the disinfectant towards the conduit means. Preferably the sanitising means further comprises measuring means for distributing a specified volume of disinfectant to the conduit means . Preferably the measuring means controls operation of the pump and ceases to operate the pump when a specified volume of disinfectant has been distributed. Preferably the conduit means and the distributing means comprises pipe-work.
Preferably the water source is the mains supply system. Alternatively, the water source may comprise a tank and pressure means to urge the water from the source towards the dispenser.
Preferably the filtering means comprises a main filter and an Ultra-Violet filter. Preferably the main filter is a chemical filter. Preferably the filtering means further comprises a particulate filter. The particulate filter may positioned between the main filter and the UV filter. Alternatively, the particulate filter may be positioned between the main filter and the water source.
Preferably a non-return valve is interposed between the water source and the filtering means to prevent water flowing from the filtering means to the source. Preferably an isolating valve is also interposed between the water source and the filtering means which, when actuated, prevents the flow of water in either direction between the filtering means and the source. Preferably the dispenser comprises a tap valve.
Preferably the water purification system further comprises control means. Preferably the control means comprises at least one sensor and the isolating valve may be actuated by a signal from the or each sensor. Preferably a dispenser sensor is provided such that the isolating valve is actuated when the container is full. Preferably a pump sensor is provided such that the isolating valve is actuated when pump failure is detected. Preferably a reservoir sensor is provided and the pump is adapted to cease operation when a specified volume of disinfectant has been distributed. Preferably the dispenser sensor is also connected to the pump and the pump is further adapted such that operation cannot resume until the container is full. Preferably at least one UV filter sensor is provided such that the isolating valve is actuated when UV filter failure is detected. Preferably the water purification system further comprises status indication means. Preferably, the signal from one or more sensors is connected to the status indication means. Preferably the water purification system further comprises an electrical supply and the signal from the or each sensor is an electrical signal. Preferably the isolating valve is actuated in the event that the electrical supply is interrupted.
Preferably the water purification system further comprises drainage means . Preferably water is directed through the filtering means in a first direction. Preferably the control means is adapted to allow water from the source to be directed through the filtering means and towards the drainage means in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Preferably the control means is further adapted to prevent filiing of the container when water is directed in the second direction.
Preferably the water purification system further comprises a flow meter for gauging the volume of water used by the system.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of purifying water comprising the steps of: directing water from a water source to a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container via conduit means connected to the source and the dispenser; providing filtering means interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; and providing sanitising means for sanitising the container, comprising a reservoir of disinfectant and distributing means for distributing the disinfectant, wherein the distributing means distributes the disinfectant to the container with the water.
Preferably the distributing means is connected to the conduit means. Preferably the disinfectant comprises Aqua Dosa™ sanitising fluid. Preferably the sanitising means further comprises measuring means for distributing a specified volume of disinfectant to the conduit means.
Preferably the filtering means comprises a main filter and an Ultra-Violet filter. Preferably the main filter is a chemical filter. Preferably the filtering means further comprises a particulate filter.
Preferably the water purification system further comprises control means.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a water purification system comprising: a water source; a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container; conduit means connected to the source and the dispenser for the transport of water from the source to the dispenser; filtering means interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; and sanitising means for sanitising the container, comprising a disinfectant, wherein the disinfectant is introduced to the water after the water has been filtered.
Preferably the disinfectant comprises Aqua Dosa™ sanitising fluid. Preferably the sanitising means further comprises measuring means.
Preferably the filtering means comprises a main filter and an Ultra-Violet filter. Preferably the main filter is a chemical filter. Preferably the filtering means further comprises a particulate filter.
Preferably the water purification system further comprises control means.
According .to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of purifying water comprising the steps of: directing water from a water source to a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container via conduit means connected to the source and the dispenser; providing filtering means interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; and providing sanitising means for sanitising the container, comprising a disinfectant, wherein the disinfectant is introduced to the water after the water has been filtered.
Preferably the disinfectant comprises Aqua Dosa™ sanitising fluid. Preferably the sanitising means further comprises measuring means.
Preferably the filtering means comprises a main filter and an Ultra-Violet filter. Preferably the main filter is a chemical filter. Preferably the filtering means further comprises a particulate filter.
Preferably the water purification system further comprises control means.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a front view of the water purification system;
Fig. 2 is a front view of the system of Fig. 1 with some of the elements in outline; and Fig. 3 is a front view of a component of the system of Fig. 1.
Referring to figures 1 and 2, water enters the purification system 10 from a source (not shown) and travels in a direction shown in the figure as A' . The water enters the system 10 under mains pressure, typically between 2 and 8 bar, and travels through the system 10 at a typical rate of 8 litres per minute. The water travels via pipe-work 14, typically having an internal diameter of 13 mm. However, any suitable conduit means can be used to convey the water.
The water first flows through a manual shut off valve 20. The water then passes through a flow meter 30 that measures the quantity of water used before entering a particulate filter 40. Both the manual shut off valve 20, the flow meter 30, and the particulate filter 40 are mounted on a main equipment board 16.
The particulate filter 40 is constructed of a wound nylon fabric and is adapted to remove particulates of a size of five microns or greater. Water exiting the particulate filter 40 then enters the main filter 44. Alternatively, the particulate filter 40 may be positioned after the main filter 44.
The main filter 44 is a chemical filter and has a 67 litre capacity. Due to the size of this filter 44, the main filter 44 is free standing. This filter 44 can remove a number of contaminates such as herbicides, pesticides, odours, and smaller particulates down to one micron is size. Water passing from the main filter 44 then enters a UV filter 46.
The UV filter 46 has a UV lamp which produces ultra- violet light. This is particularly effective in killing any infectious organisms including viruses. The UV filter 46 is mounted on the equipment board 16 and is powered by a power unit 49 connected to the electrical supply (described below) . The filtered water then travels to the dispenser 50.
Although in the described example the filtering means comprises three filters, it is to be understood that the filtering means may comprise one, two, four or more separate filters.
The dispenser 50 comprises a stainless steel cap assembly 52 adapted to fit a conventional 19 litre water bottle 100 or other suitable container. The dispensing cap 52 is connected to the pipe-work 14 by an armoured hose line 54.
The water bottle 100 is positioned on top of a bottle rack 60 of stainless steel construction. The rack includes a drain 62 fox any over-spill.
Connected to the pipe-work 14 between the filters 40, 44, 46 and the dispenser 50 is the container sanitising means 70. A reservoir of five litres of disinfectant is provided in a container 72 mounted on the equipment board 16. Distributing means are provided to distribute the disinfectant to the pipe- work 14.
The disinfectant is Aqua Dosa™ sanitising fluid. Aqua Dosa™ consists of calloid silver, which has a strong oxidising capacity, and hydrogen peroxide. Exposure to light should be avoided and so the container 72 is opaque. A pump 74 is provided to direct the disinfectant from the container 72 to a mixing valve 76 connected to the pipe-work 14. The disinfectant travels from the container 72 via flexible tubing 78 which is fastened to the equipment board 16 using adhesive fasteners 18.
An electrically controlled isolating valve 86 is provided at the mixing valve 76. The isolating valve 86 is adapted such that it is open only if it receives an electrical supply and is operated by the signal from a number of sensors (discussed below) . The mixing valve 76 and the isolating valve 86 and mounted within an enclosure 83.
Electrical power for the isolating valve 86 and other components, such as sensors, is provided by a transformer 80 connected to the main supply. This provides 24 volts dc . Circuit breakers (not shown) are provided to interrupt the electrical supply in the event of electrical spikes or other forms of irregular supply. The circuit breakers are mounted within a splash-proof enclosure 84 (shown more clearly in Fig. 2) .
The system 10 also includes a number of sensors. A sensor 56 is provided at the dispenser cap 52 for detecting when the bottle 100 is full. In such an event a signal is sent to the isolating valve 86 to close.
The pump 74 is adapted to carry out ten revolutions for each filling cycle. Each revolution draws 1 ml of disinfectant into the pipe-work 14 containing .the filtered water. After 10 ml has been distributed, the pump 74 ceases operation. A sensor (not shown) in the disinfectant reservoir monitors the level of disinfectant to ensure that the correct quantity is being distributed. A signal from the dispenser sensor 56 is also sent to the pump 74 to allow the pump 74 „to resume operation. This arrangement prevents the possibility of a double dose of disinfectant being added to the same bottle of water.
A sensor 48 is also provided at the UV filter 46 so that, in the event that the lamp fails, or any other circumstance which leads to no ultra violet light being produced, a signal is sent to the isolating valve 86 to close. The isolating valve 86 is arranged such that the valve 86 will fail safe, that is, it will close in the event of an interruption the electrical supply. The signals from the sensors are connected to a display board 90 to inform the user of failure of any part of the system. The display board 90 is shown more clearly in Fig. 3. An operating switch 91 is provided on the display board 90 to allow the user to begin each filling cycle. The display board 90 is mounted on the face of the enclosure 84 housing the circuit breakers.
The operation of each filling cycle will now be described.
The user utilises the operating switch on the display board 90 to allow the filling of the bottle 100 to commence. Water passes through the three filters 40, 44, 46 and the associated pipe-work 14 to the mixing valve 76.
At the same time the pump 74 is activated and the pump 74 performs ten revolutions. This draws 10 ml of disinfectant from the reservoir 72 to the mixing valve 76. The water and disinfectant are mixed and the resultant fluid travels to the dispenser 50 and is then dispensed to the bottle 100.
Once 19 litres of water, including the disinf ctant, has been dispensed, the dispenser sensor 56 will be activated. A signal will be sent for the isolating valve 86 to close and the pump 74 is also sent a signal to reset. The disinfectant in the bottle 100 acts upon the interior surface of the bottle 100 to sanitise it. The turbulence created during the filling help to disperse the disinfectant in the water so that disinfectant contacts the whole surface of the bottle 100. The display board 90 informs the user that the bottle 100 is completely filled. The user then removes the dispenser cap 52 and a self-sealing cap (not shown) is fitted to the bottle 100. Aqua Dosa™ breaks down to form water and oxygen, leaving only traces of any other chemicals, and so the final product is potable.
It should be appreciated that the system 10 allows the automatic filling and sanitising of the bottle 100 without requiring any further input from the user. This ensures that a bottle 100 cannot remain in a non-sanitised condition due to operator error.
To ensure that the system 10 continues to provide filtered water and a sanitised bottle 100 to an acceptable standard, servicing of the system 10 is carried out, typically every six months. The reservoir for disinfectant 72 can be re-filled by the user. The reservoir sensor co-operates with the isolating valve 86 so that the system 10 will not operate in the event that the reservoir 72 is 10% full or less. During servicing, the UV bulb for the UV filter 48 and the media for the particulate filter 40 are changed. The pipe-work 14 for the filtering system can be sanitised using chlorinated water or ozone being passed through the system. The main filter 44 has a back flushing capability. Water is passed in the opposite direction to that during normal use. Water exiting the main filter is this case is directed to the drainage system 62 via a drain pipe 64. The media of the main filter 44 may be changed during every second servicing visit. Other checks during servicing may include the checking of all pipes and joints, replacement of the parastelic pump tube, and the noting of meter readings. The meter readings can be used to adjust the back flushing of the main filetr 44 to cope with the volume of water being used.
Variations and modifications can be made to the embodiment herein described without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the conduit 78 for the disinfectant may not be connected to the pipe-work 14 for the water but may instead be dispensed directly to the bottle 100. The disinfectant may be dispensed as the bottle 100 is being filled with water, or at a time before or after the bottle 100 is filled.

Claims

Claims
1. A water purification system comprising: a water source; a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container; conduit means connected to the source and the dispenser for the transport of water from the source to the dispenser; filtering means interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; and sanitising means for sanitising the container, comprising a reservoir of disinfectant and distributing means for distributing the disinfectant, wherein the distributing means distributes the disinfectant to the container with the water.
2. A water purification system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the distributing means is connected to the conduit means, and wherein the sanitising means further comprises a pump for urging the disinfectant towards the conduit means .
3. A water purification system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the disinfectant is mixed with the water prior to being dispensed to the container.
4. A water purification system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the disinfectant comprises Hydrogen Peroxide.
5. A water purification system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the disinfectant comprises around 3% w/w Hydrogen Peroxide.
6. A water purification system as claimed, in any of Claims 2 to 5 , wherein the sanitising means further comprises measuring means for distributing a specified volume of disinfectant to the conduit means.
7. A water purification system as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the measuring means controls operation of the pump and ceases to operate the pump when a specified volume of disinfectant has been distributed.
8. A water purification system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the filtering means comprises a main filter and an Ultra-Violet filter, the main filter comprising a chemical filter.
9. A water purification system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the filtering means comprises a particulate filter.
10. A water purification system as claimed in Claim 9 when dependent on Claim 8, wherein the particulate filter is positioned before the main filter.
11. A water purification system as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 10, wherein an isolating valve is interposed between the water source and the filtering means which, when actuated, prevents the flow of water in either direction between the filtering means and the water source.
12. A water purification system as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the water purification system further comprises control means adapted to operate the actuating valve.
13. A water purification system as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the control means comprises at least one sensor and the isolating valve may be actuated by a signal from one or more sensors.
14. A water purification system as claimed in Claim 13, wherein a dispenser sensor is provided such that the isolating valve is actuated when the container is full.
15. A water purification system as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the dispenser sensor is also connected to the pump and the pump is further adapted such that operation cannot resume until the container is full.
16. A water purification system as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 15, wherein a pump sensor is provided such that the isolating valve is actuated when pump failure is detected.
17. A water purification system as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 16, wherein a reservoir sensor is provided and the pump is adapted to cease operation when a specified volume of disinfectant has been distributed.
18. A water purification system as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 17, wherein at least one UV filter sensor is provided such that the isolating valve is actuated when UV filter failure is detected.
19. A water purification system as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 18, wherein the water purification system further comprises status indication means, and the signal from one or more sensors is connected to the status indication means .
20. A water purification system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the water purification system further comprises drainage means, and water is directed through the filtering means in a first direction, and the control means is adapted to allow water from the source to be directed through the filtering means and towards the drainage means in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
21. A water purification system as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the control means is further adapted to prevent filling of the container when water is directed in the second direction.
22. A method of purifying water comprising the steps of : directing water from a water source to a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container via conduit means connected to the source and the dispenser; providing filtering means interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; and providing sanitising means for sanitising the container, comprising a reservoir of disinfectant and distributing means for distributing the disinfectant, wherein the distributing means distributes the disinfectant to the container with the water.
23. A method of purifying water as claimed in Claim 22, wherein the distributing means is connected to the conduit means.
24. A method of purifying water as claimed in either of Claim 22 or Claim 23, wherein the disinfectant comprises Hydrogen Peroxide.
25. A water purification system as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 24, wherein the disinfectant comprises around 3% w/w Hydrogen Peroxide.
26. A method of purifying water as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 25, wherein the sanitising means further comprises measuring means for distributing a specified volume of disinfectant to the conduit means .
27. A method of purifying water as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 26, wherein the filtering means comprises a main filter and an Ultra-Violet filter, the main filter comprising a chemical filter.
28. A method of purifying water as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 27, wherein the filtering means comprises a particulate filter.
29. A water purification system comprising: a water source; a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container; conduit means connected to the source and the dispenser for the transport of water from the source to the dispenser; filtering means interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; and sanitising means for sanitising the container, comprising a disinfectant, wherein the disinfectant is introduced to the water after the water has been filtered.
30. A water purification system as claimed in Claim 29, wherein the disinfectant comprises Hydrogen Peroxide.
31. A water purification system as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 30, wherein the disinfectant comprises around 3% w/w Hydrogen Peroxide.
32. A water purification system as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 31, wherein the sanitising means further comprises measuring means.
33. A water purification system as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 32, wherein the filtering means comprises a main filter and an Ultra-Violet filter, the main filter comprising a chemical filter.
34. A water purification system as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 33, wherein the filtering means comprises a particulate filter.
35. A method of purifying water comprising the steps of: directing water from a water source to a dispenser for dispensing water to fill a container via conduit means connected to the source and the dispenser; providing filtering means interposed between the source and the dispenser for filtering the water that is dispensed to the container; and providing sanitising means for sanitising the container, comprising a disinfectant, wherein the disinfectant is introduced to the water after the water has been filtered.
36. A method of purifying water as claimed in Claim 35, wherein the disinfectant comprises Hydrogen Peroxide .
37. A water purification system as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 36, wherein the disinfectant comprises around 3% w/w Hydrogen Peroxide.
38. A method of purifying water as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 37, wherein the sanitising means further comprises measuring means.
39. A method of purifying water as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 38, wherein the filtering means comprises a main filter and an Ultra-Violet filter, the main filter comprising a chemical filter.
40. A method of purifying water as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 39, wherein the filtering means comprises a particulate filter.
EP03700891A 2002-01-24 2003-01-16 Water purification system Withdrawn EP1467953A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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GBGB0201545.1A GB0201545D0 (en) 2002-01-24 2002-01-24 "Water purification system"
GB0201545 2002-01-24
PCT/GB2003/000170 WO2003062155A1 (en) 2002-01-24 2003-01-16 Water purification system

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US20030136748A1 (en) 2003-07-24
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